A campaigner highlights the need for a specific law against non-fatal strangulation.
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In a poignant call for justice, Fiona Drouet is urging Scottish lawmakers to recognize non-fatal strangulation (NFS) as a standalone offence. This plea comes in the wake of her daughter Emily’s tragic death, which has shed light on the severe implications of such acts of violence. Emily, an 18-year-old law student at the University of Aberdeen, took her own life in 2016, just days after enduring a brutal attack by her ex-boyfriend, Angus Milligan.
Emily’s harrowing experience began when she was subjected to choking and physical abuse by Milligan, who later pleaded guilty to assault and threatening behaviour. Despite the severity of his actions, he was sentenced to only 180 hours of community service in 2017. Fiona Drouet believes that this lenient punishment does not reflect the gravity of the crime, nor does it address the psychological trauma inflicted on her daughter.
“I don’t think it reflects the seriousness of the crime, and it certainly doesn’t reflect the trauma that was placed on Emily,” she stated, emphasizing the need for more stringent laws.
Currently, non-fatal strangulation is categorized as assault in Scotland, a classification that Fiona argues minimizes the seriousness of the act. In contrast, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have already enacted laws that recognize NFS as a serious crime. Fiona’s petition aims to change this, as she believes that victims of NFS are significantly more at risk of being murdered by their abuser. Statistics indicate that victims are eight times more likely to be killed by the person who strangled them, a fact that Fiona insists cannot be overlooked.
The public response to Fiona’s campaign has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many recognizing the urgent need for reform in how such crimes are prosecuted. Fiona has shared her belief that had the laws been more robust at the time of Emily’s death, the outcome could have been different. “I think we could’ve seen the perpetrator potentially getting a sentence that would’ve protected the public,” she remarked, highlighting the potential for legislative change to save lives.
As Fiona continues her advocacy, she hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of non-fatal strangulation and the importance of treating it as a serious crime. Her campaign not only seeks justice for Emily but also aims to protect future victims from similar fates. The push for a standalone offence for non-fatal strangulation is not just about legal reform; it is about ensuring that the voices of victims are heard and that their experiences are taken seriously.
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